DCCC: The Stakeholder

House passes Affordable Health Care for America Act

2009-11-08T03:09:27+00:00

On November 7, 2009, House Democrats made history for the American people, with the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Our legislation delivers on the promise of making affordable, quality health insurance available to every American - and laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act includes a strong public option and will:

Ensure affordability for the middle class;
Provide security for our seniors;
End discrimination for pre-existing medical conditions;
Invest in wellness and prevention; and
Ensure responsibility to our children - by not adding a dime to the deficit.

This historic victory was won because grassroots Democrats stood up and spoke out. Grassroots Democrats insisted on a strong public option and you are the ones who stood by us and fought hard every step of the way.

Much work still remains before President Obama can sign it to make it the law of the land. But for now, we say thank you for helping House Democrats make history for America.

NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions Says Insurance Companies OK to Discriminate Against Women

2009-11-07T22:54:10+00:00

During last night's House Rules Committee debate on health insurance reform, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Pete Sessions compared being a woman to being a smoker and endorsed the notion that big health insurance companies should charge women more than men for health care. According to Open Secrets, Congressman Pete Sessions has taken more than $400,000 from big insurance companies.

"The NRCC and extreme right wing of the Republican Party is totally out of step with women. First, the NRCC says that a man ought to put the first woman Speaker of the House ‘in her place.' Then, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions compared being a woman to being a smoker while defending his big insurance company pals' practice of charging women more than men for health care," said Jennifer Crider, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "I don't know what's scarier, whether NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions actually believes women are second class citizens or whether he believes it's politically beneficial for the NRCC to say so. America's mothers, sisters, and daughters deserve better than this divisive and biased rhetoric from the National Republican Congressional Committee."

Background

At last night's House Rules Committee debate about health insurance reform, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions responded to a question about women paying more for health insurance than men by saying, "Well, we're all different. Why should a smoker pay more?" [Courthouse News, 11/6/2009]

Representative Pete Sessions has taken over $400,000 from insurance industry contributors. [Open Secrets]

"Striking new evidence has emerged of a widespread gap in the cost of health insurance, as women pay much more than men of the same age for individual insurance policies providing identical coverage, according to new data from insurance companies and online brokers." [New York Times, 10/30/2008]

Currently, women of child-bearing age pay higher rates based on their gender and are routinely (and legally) denied coverage if they are pregnant. Legislation pending in Congress would dramatically change the rules [McClatchy Newspapers; October 7, 2009]

Defending the practice, one insurance spokesman called pregnancy a "matter of choice." To make matters worse, many insurance companies consider C-Sections a "pre-existing condition" while a subsidiary of United Health, one of the biggest insurance companies in the nation, "simply rejects" women who have had C-Sections. [San Francisco Chronicle, 3/24/09], [New York Times, 6/1/08]

GOP Congressman Attend Tea Party Rally Instead of Voting on National Security Measures

2009-11-06T22:37:25+00:00

Zachary Roth of Talking Points Memo reports:

When it's a choice between strengthening the Patriot Act, or showing up for the Tea Party Patriots, what's a GOP lawmaker to do? We'll give you one guess...

Several Republican members of Congress yesterday blew off votes on the signature anti-terror legislation of the post 9/11 era to attend Michele Bachmann's Tea Party rally against health-care reform.

Reps. Steve King of Iowa, Trent Franks of Arizona, Randy Forbes of Virginia, Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Louie Gohmert and Ted Poe of Texas all took time out yesterday for the "Super Bowl of Freedom," as Bachmann has called it. And all missed votes in the House Judiciary committee on Republican-sponsored amendments to the reauthorization of the Patriot Act -- measures that would have toughened the Act, but narrowly failed. Those votes took place, a committee staffer confirmed, between noon and two -- the very time when Republican lawmakers were rallying the Tea Party troops on the Capitol steps.

Read more.

NY-23 Victory Gallery

2009-11-06T16:52:42+00:00

One year ago, grassroots supporters like you powered President Obama and House Democrats to history-making election victories across America.

One year later, you helped Democrat Bill Owens defeat Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and their extreme right-wing 'tea party' candidate Doug Hoffman in the NY-23 Special Election. Check out some of the media coverage of our historic win:

The Daily Show:

Hardball:

Daily Kos TV recaps how the right-wing pundits and tea party activists pushed aside Republican Dede Scozzafava in favor of hard-line conservative candidate Doug Hoffman, allowing the first Democratic victory in NY-23 since the Civil War:

Send your congratulations to Bill Owens for beating Tea Party Republican Doug Hoffmann in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

More Outrageous Extreme Right Wing Hatred

2009-11-05T23:37:40+00:00

THIS is the type of extreme right wing Republicans that Republican leaders rushed to rally today.

"Woah" [POLITICO]:

There has been plenty of hyperbolic rhetoric on both sides of the health care debate, but this sign at today's GOP protest blows right past hyperbole and head first into incendiary. The sign reads "National Socialist Health Care Dachau, Germany - 1945" and shows a large pile of naked, dead bodies.

It's one thing to argue that reform will hurt Americans' health care, it's a whole other to suggest that reform will lead to systemic, mass genocide on par with one of the greatest atrocities in human history.

(Photo: ThinkProgress)

Among the leaders that addressed the crowd were: Republican Leader John Boehner, Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence, and Republican Representative Michele Bachmann.

THIS is the type of extreme right wing Republicans that RNC Chairman Michael Steele says they "will come after" moderates for.

Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokesperson said: "This is exactly the kind of outrageous extreme right wing hatred that House Republican leaders should condemn, not encourage and rally. What the heck is wrong with John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and their Republican colleagues that this is the extreme right wing face that put on the Republican Party? It's no wonder the number of people who identify themselves as Republicans is an anemic 20 percent."

DCCC Exposes the Truth On Michele Bachmann With The Re-launch of BachmannWatch.com

2009-11-05T16:28:03+00:00

In the competition for the truth, Michele Bachmann is 0-5

In honor of Representative Michele Bachmann's "Super Bowl of Freedom," the DCCC wants to bring your attention to BachmannWatch.com to expose the Congresswoman's extreme rhetoric and false claims on the serious matter of health insurance reform.

"Michele Bachmann may be hosting her extreme right-wing rally but when it comes to telling the truth, she is on the losing team," said Gabby Adler, the Midwestern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Whether trying to scare people with outrageous claims or mislead with outright lies on an issue as important as health insurance reform, Michele Bachmann simply can't be trusted."

Michele Bachmann will say anything to gain support for her extreme agenda, even if it means lying and twisting the truth. The website, www.BachmannWatch.com, features "Michele Bachmann vs. the Truth" where Bachmann's lies and misstatements on health insurance reform are rounded up and exposed.

Speaker Pelosi Congratulates Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi

2009-11-04T16:38:38+00:00

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement on Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory in the Special Election in New York's 23^rd Congressional District, and Congressman-elect John Garamendi's victory in the Special Election in California's 10th Congressional District:

"Congratulations to Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi on winning great victories tonight.

"Their elections are tributes to their running strong campaigns and to the hard work and strategic thinking of the outstanding Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Chris Van Hollen.

"Bill Owens is a great American success story. A veteran who served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, following the closure of his old Air Force base in Plattsburgh, NY, he led the effort to redevelop it, bringing jobs and opportunity to his community.

"John Garamendi has had a long and distinguished career in public service, most recently as lieutenant governor of California, where he has been a powerful advocate for families and hard-working Californians, improving higher education, health care, and the environment.

"In Congress, Bill Owens and John Garamendi will be champions for the middle class, strong advocates for our troops and veterans, and committed fighters for building a clean energy future.

"I look forward to welcoming Congressmen-elect Owens and Garamendi to the Congress this week and working with them and my colleagues to reform health insurance and continue America's economic recovery."

* * *

New York's 23^rd Congressional District was left vacant when former Congressman John McHugh resigned his seat after being confirmed as Secretary of the Army for President Obama. California's 10^th Congressional District became vacant when former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher resigned her seat after being confirmed as the State Department's Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs.

DCCC Chair Van Hollen Congratulates Congressman-Elect John Garamendi (CA-10)

2009-11-04T05:42:15+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement, congratulating Congressman-elect John Garamendi, who won the special election in California's 10^th Congressional District:

"Congratulations to Congressman-elect John Garamendi on his victory today.

"With his commitment to strengthening public education, protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending the environment, and providing economic opportunities for middle class Californians, John Garamendi will be a great asset to our Democratic Caucus.

"I look forward to welcoming Congressman-elect John Garamendi to Congress and working with him to help President Obama achieve comprehensive health insurance reform and keep America on the path towards economic recovery."

California's 10^th Congressional District was left vacant when former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher resigned her seat after being confirmed as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

DCCC Chair Van Hollen’s Statement on Bill Owens’ Victory in New York’s 23rd District

2009-11-04T05:24:14+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory in the Special Election in NY-23:

"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Bill Owens on his remarkable victory. Voters in New York's 23^rd District responded to Bill Owens' message and track record of creating jobs and attracting economic development to Upstate New York.

"This election represents a double-blow for National Republicans and their hopes of translating this summer's ‘tea party' energy into victories at the ballot box. Not only did eight extreme right-wing groups spend more than $1 million to drive the moderate Republican - and the NRCC's chosen candidate - out of the race. Now, after losing a seat that was held by Republicans for nearly 120 years, they have to deal with an emboldened and well-funded far right-wing that refuses to tolerate moderate Republicans with differing opinions.

"I am grateful to President Obama, Vice President Biden, House Democratic Leaders, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Steve Israel and the entire New York Congressional Delegation for their tireless work on behalf of and support of Bill Owens.

"With his commitment to reaching across the aisle to help President Obama enact his agenda for creating jobs and getting our economy moving again, Congressman-elect Bill Owens will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus."

A Critical Test Today

2009-11-03T15:48:35+00:00

Speaker Pelosi just sent this urgent message to DCCC supporters:

*** ONE YEAR OUT DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. CONTRIBUTE TODAY. ***

Dear Friend,

Midnight tonight marks a critical milestone for President Obama and an equally vital test of the strength of our Democratic agenda for moving America forward.

One year ago, President Obama was elected as our 44th Commander in Chief.

The media will use the amount of money that we have in the bank tonight one year later as an indication of how strongly grassroots Democrats support the President's agenda, including health care reform.

We must not stand idly by; it's time to stand united before our deadline tonight.

Please help us exceed our grassroots goal of $500,000 before Midnight tonight. If you generously contribute before Midnight Tonight, a group of Democrats will match every dollar you give with two dollars of their own.

We have never needed your help more.

As I write to you, a special election in upstate New York will be a preview of what we will see in November with a well-funded, extreme conservative candidate being pioneered by special interest friends spending more than a million dollars in the race.

Congress is also preparing to vote soon on health insurance reform legislation, which includes a public option to make health care affordable for the middle class and hold insurance companies accountable. Your support tonight will show our united dedication and widespread support for health insurance reform.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT and your gift will be triple matched 2-to-1.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

Leader Rush Strikes Again

2009-11-02T22:24:46+00:00

From Media Matters:

Limbaugh: We can say Scozzafava is "guilty of widespread bestiality; she has screwed every RINO in the country"

LIMBAUGH: Scozzafava has screwed every RINO in the coun -- we can say that she's guilty of widespread bestiality. She has screwed every RINO in the country. Everyone can see just see how phony and dangerous they are ... The American people have had enough.

Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokesperson, released the following statement:

"With his latest hate-filled rant Rush Limbaugh - the self-appointed leader of the Republican Party's extreme right wing - shows that the Republicans' tent only covers the likes of himself, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, and his latest recruit Doug Hoffman. This is exactly the kind of extreme right wing rhetoric that is driving people out of the Republican Party. Republicans should finally stand up to these right wing zealots and say 'enough is enough.'"

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’

2009-11-02T20:29:58+00:00

Today on the House floor, Representative Virginia Foxx claimed that Americans have "more to fear from the potential" of a health insurance reform bill passing "than we do from any terrorist right now in any country."

"Representative Foxx believes that reducing health care costs for consumers is a greater danger to Americans than terrorists?," Jesse Ferguson, Southern Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said. "It is outrageous that a representative of our nation that was hit by terrorists would have the gall to claim that Americans reducing their health care costs is a greater threat. The question is: Does Virginia Foxx's leadership agree with this Republican extreme right wing ideology?"

Background:

"Rep. Foxx: Health care reform is a bigger threat than ‘any terrorist right now in any country.'" [Think Progress, 11/02/09]

No Quit in America

2009-11-02T15:43:43+00:00

Patrick Kennedy just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

"I got mine, you get yours" seems to be the creed by which today's Republican Party operates. And, it is this Republican Party that has opposed every initiative, every policy and every program President Obama has proposed since assuming office in January.

Your immediate support is urgently needed today because we are rapidly approaching our one-year-out fundraising deadline tomorrow.

And to stay competitive with the Republican fundraising machine, Democrats must raise just $89,353 more before midnight Tuesday.

Furthermore, the DCCC's totals during this one-year-out fundraising period will be viewed by media pundits, political analysts and our Republican opponents as an indicator of the strength of grassroots support for Democrats in Congress, President Obama and our agenda for change.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

From day one, Democrats acted boldly and forcefully to restore confidence in our economy and protect the interests of all Americans, especially the most vulnerable.

We fought for and won an extension of health care benefits for children. We enacted legislation to close the wage gap for women. We passed the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act. We protected hard working middle class families by reforming the credit card business. And, we worked with President Obama to stimulate the economy, create new jobs, address the credit crisis, and protect families from foreclosure. We've done all this and more almost solely on the strength of our Democratic Majority.

And, we still have much work to do in the fight for meaningful health insurance reform. But, thanks to the support and commitment of Democrats like you, I am confident America will emerge from this challenging time stronger and more united than ever before.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.

We cannot win the 2010 election today, but we can lose it if we fail to maintain our fundraising strength against Republicans. And not only are we fighting a tidal wave of special interest money. We're up against history as well. On average, the party in the White House loses 30 seats in the midterm election.

But, I know that I can count on your continuing support. Please stand with President Obama and other progressive Democrats by rushing a generous contribution to the DCCC today.

Thank you,

Rep. Patrick Kennedy

P.S. I believe there's no quit in America. Please join me and support President Obama and Congressional Democrats with a generous contribution before MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. Your gift will be matched 2-to-1 and help the DCCC exceed their $500,000 fundraising goal.

Breaking News: GOP Chaos Erupts in Special Election

2009-11-01T23:50:21+00:00

DCCC Executive Director Jon Vogel sent the following Rapid Response Alert to DCCC supporters:

Friend--

Late yesterday news broke that the moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, candidate in the hard-fought special election in New York's 23rd Congressional district, had been driven out and the Republican party was throwing their weight behind the Palin/Limbaugh/Glen Beck endorsed radical tea party candidate instead.

Today, the moderate Republican threw her support behind our proud Democratic candidate Bill Owens.

It has never been clearer that the Republican Party has been hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a vast majority of Americans.

Eight extreme right wing groups spent more than $1 million on this campaign including the Minute Men, Club for Growth and the Family Research Council.

This means your work and your continued support and dedication have never been more critical as we face our one-year-out reporting deadline and this election on Tuesday.

We are up against a well-funded extremist GOP who will stop at nothing to win and whose agenda could quite literally take us backwards to the days of Bush-Cheney.

But, you and I can't let that happen. I will continue to keep you posted on news of this race continues and thank you again for standing with us. We will need you now more than ever.

Thanks,

Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

DCCC Memo: What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

2009-10-31T23:12:01+00:00

TO:                 Interested Parties
FROM:           DCCC Communications
DATE:            October 31, 2009
RE:                  What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

The news that the NRCC's candidate, moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, was driven out of the NY-23 Special Election to replace former Republican Congressman John McHugh raises questions about the lessons the Republican Party may learn.

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen said:

Today's developments in NY-23 should send a chilling message to the few remaining moderate Republicans. The extreme right wing of the Republican Party is in control and will not tolerate differing opinions.

National Republicans hoped to harness the energy of the tea party movement and translate it into financial support and voter turnout for their endorsed candidate. Instead, the Republican Party has been hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a vast majority of Americans.

Eight (8) extreme right wing groups spent more than $1 million to defeat the moderate Republican - and NRCC's chosen candidate. Those groups include: Club for Growth, Common Sense in America, Susan B. Anthony, Life and Liberty, Eagle Forum, Minute Men PAC, National Organization for Marriage, and the Family Research Council. In the wake of NY-23, House Republicans now have to contend with an emboldened and well-funded far right focused on ideological purity.

Additionally, the NRCC and House Republican leadership made a series of serious miscalculations that played out during the NY-23 campaign.

Republican leaders didn't understand the extreme right wing ideologues of their party. They thought that the tea party activist energy of this summer would easily translate into campaign dollars and votes for the establishment candidate. The NY-23 campaign shows that this is not true.

The Republican Conference is not united. The NRCC could not even lock in the endorsements of House Republican leaders.

NRCC mishandled the race from day one. The NRCC spent nearly $1 million (which is about a quarter of their current cash on hand) on a race despite not understanding the district or how the NY State party line ballot worked. They actively criticized the Conservative Party candidate and failed to lock in the endorsements of party leaders.

A year ago former NRCC Chairman Tom Davis said, "If the Republican brand were dog food, they would take it off the shelf." The Republican brand has only worsened since then.

The ABC News/Washington Post poll, released last week, found that only 20 percent of those polled identified themselves as Republicans. According to Chris Cillizza, this is "the lowest that number has been in Post polling since 1983." In the NBC-Wall Street Journal poll, released this week, just 25 percent have a positive opinion of the Republican Party, which ties the Republican's low in the survey and which is a worse score than it ever had during the Bush presidency.

The bottom line:

If Republican leaders learn the wrong lessons from NY-23, and they likely will, independent and moderate Republican voters will view Republicans as a party of far right ideologues. The few remaining moderate Republican Members and candidates will hear that moderates are not welcome in the Republican Party and differing opinions will not be tolerated.

Elections are about choices and the Republicans have yet to offer Americans, especially independents, a reason to choose them. In the long term, moving farther to the right will not offer an alternative that is acceptable to most Americans.

TRICK OR TREAT - Republicans: Where’s Your Health Reform Bill?

2009-10-30T22:06:37+00:00

It's been more than four months since the House Republican leadership broke their promise to release a health reform alternative, and they have yet to offer a meaningful alternative. Acknowledging the fact that House Republicans have no actual solutions, in what can only be described as a Halloween trick, today the Republican Party of ‘No Health Reform' circulated a memo on how to kill health insurance reform without "making the Republican Party look bad."

Background

On Oct 30: Politico reports, "GOP strategist Frank Luntz briefed Republican lawmakers this week 'on his new plan for undermining Democrats' health-reform without making the GOP look bad.'" [Politico, 10/30/2009]
On Oct 27: The Hill reported, "Some House Republicans are growing frustrated that their leaders have not yet introduced a healthcare reform alternative. For months, the message from House GOP leaders on a healthcare bill has been similar to ads for yet-to-be-released movies: Coming soon." [The Hill, 10/27/2009]
On July 23: House Minority Leader John Boehner said there is a Republican health care bill but refused to say whether it will ever be released. [The Washington Post's Plum Line, 7/23/09]
On June 17: Congressman Roy Blunt, the man charged by Minority Leader Boehner with coming up with the Republicans' alternative health care bill, stated, "I guarantee you we will provide you with a bill." - Congressman Roy Blunt, the man charged by Minority Leader Boehner with the Republicans' alternative health reform bill [Politico, 6/17/09]

Shadegg says NO to Grieving Father Seeking Cruise Ship Safety

2009-10-30T19:06:46+00:00

Opposes commonsense measures to protect against sexual assault onboard

In a galling move, Representative John Shadegg last week voted against a commonsense effort to increase personal safety measures aboard cruise ships - a bill pressed by Shadegg's own constituent, Ken Carver of Phoenix, whose daughter mysteriously disappeared from an Alaskan cruise in 2004.

"In the face of reports of sexual abuse onboard cruise ships, it's simply inexplicable that Congressman Shadegg would vote against commonsense protections even endorsed by the industry - and against his own constituent who pushed for the safeguards," said Andy Stone, Western Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "By opposing simple measures such as latches and peep holes for cabin doors and video surveillance to increase personal safety onboard and a requirement to report incidents of sexual abuse, Congressman Shadegg proved his Party of No bona fides."

The Fate of Health Care

2009-10-30T15:49:53+00:00

Speaker Pelosi just sent this important message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

What you do right now could help determine both the fate of our historic health insurance reform legislation and the outcome of next year's mid-term Congressional elections.

That's because we're just days away from the critical one-year-out fundraising deadline.

With yesterday's introduction of comprehensive health insurance reform legislation, the stakes could not be higher. Political analysts and our Republican opponents will look at the amount of money we have in the bank at Midnight Tuesday as an indication of the grassroots support for the President and his agenda.

This fundraising deadline is so crucial that a group of committed Democrats have pledged to match every dollar you give with two dollars of their own, tripling the impact of your contribution.

Contribute $5, $10 or more by Midnight Tuesday and your gift will be matched 2-to-1 helping us reach our fundraising goal of $500,000.

Next week, we also celebrate the one year anniversary of President Obama's election. The whole world will be watching us to see whether you and other committed Democrats are still standing with President Obama and his vision for America's future.

We have taken enormous steps in moving America in a New Direction and we are close to passing historic health care reform legislation that includes the public option.

But no one should underestimate the ability of our Republican opponents to undermine and even derail our agenda through the use of misinformation, distortion and fear.

Democrats from across America must stand together at this critical time and show the world how strong our support for the President and his agenda is.

Contribute $5, $10 or more by Midnight Tuesday and your gift will be matched 2-to-1 helping us reach our fundraising goal of $500,000.

You have been there for me and the President before. Your sacrifice and your commitment to the ideals of the Democratic Party have helped us make important strides in moving American forward.

America and the Democratic Party are calling on you again. I hope I can count on you now at this critical moment.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

P.S. Please contribute by Midnight Tuesday and your gift will be matched 2-to-1 helping us reach our fundraising goal of $500,000.

Breaking News: Strong Public Option Introduced

2009-10-29T15:38:54+00:00

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen just sent this breaking news message to DCCC supporters:

Breaking News: Health Care Bill Introduced with a Strong Public Option

Friend --

I wanted to share some exciting news with you. Today, Democrats under the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have officially introduced our new bill in the House of Representatives. This bill will reform our broken health insurance system and includes a strong public option.

This historic action is taking place for one simple reason: Democrats like you stood up and spoke out.

You are the ones who made your voices heard in support of a strong public option to keep insurance companies honest, provide greater choice, and ensure quality, affordable health care for the middle class.

Now that we've taken this historic step, the media, pundits, and defenders of the status quo are wondering, "How will you respond?" Help us raise $50,000 by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT to send a powerful message that the American people stand behind a strong public option and comprehensive health care reform.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today so we have the resources to fight back against Republican attacks and prove that grassroots Democrats are standing strong behind health insurance reform with a strong public option.

With Republicans digging in even harder now to protect the status quo, we need grassroots Democrats like you to help us finish the job. Stay tuned for further updates and all the ways that you can help us finish this fight.

But for now, I just wanted to say thanks for standing with us every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Rep. Chris Van Hollen
DCCC Chairman

95 percent of House Republicans Voted Against H1N1 Flu Vaccines

2009-10-27T22:05:21+00:00

Despite multiple warnings, 170 House Republicans - 95 percent of its members- this summer opposed funds to help families, schools, and businesses prepare for the H1N1 flu outbreak, which has been declared a national emergency. In stark contrast, 221 House Democrats, and 91 members of the Senate including 90 percent of Senate Republicans voted to fund H1N1 vaccines.

"The families, schools, and businesses fighting against the H1N1 flu pandemic deserve better than House Republicans' reckless, knee jerk partisanship and just-say-no approach to helping prepare for this national emergency," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee."

Going Rogue

2009-10-27T14:56:32+00:00

Paul Begala sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

Do you want to see something REALLY scary this Halloween? Picture Sarah Palin endorsing a Conservative Party candidate and a favorite of the 'tea party' crowd in the NY-23 special election and raising $116,000 in 24 hours.

Call it the Palin Effect. Call it going rogue on her own Republican Party. Whatever we call it, we need to give it a powerful response from grassroots Democrats.

This coming Tuesday marks one year since President Obama was elected. Help us quadruple the Palin Effect by raising $500,000 and make a powerful vote of confidence for the President's first year agenda.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before Midnight Tuesday so we can show the world how much support there is for President Obama on the first anniversary of his historic election.

This first anniversary is really important. The tea party crowd hopes to use Palin's endorsement in the NY-23 special election to send one of their own to Congress on the very first anniversary of President Obama winning the White House. And we can't let that happen. The inmates have taken over the asylum, and are abandoning the Republican candidate in favor of the extreme conservative.

This could either be a cause for concern or a great opportunity. Let's make it an opportunity -- a chance to see a good Democrat elected in a district that hasn't sent a Democrat to Congress since 1852.

The Conservative candidate Mrs. Palin is backing has pledged to continue the Bush economic policies of massive tax cuts for the idle rich and endless debt for the middle class. Those are the same policies that cratered this economy in the Bush years -- but Mrs. Palin is doing all she can to turn back the clock to the "good old days" of George W. Bush.

Don't let Sarah Palin turn back the clock.

The media is closely watching what happens on Tuesday. They will use the amount of money Democrats have in the bank as a referendum on President Obama's first year. We need all grassroots Democrats to show how strong the President is.

Contribute $5, $10 or more before Midnight Tuesday so we can show the world how much support there is for President Obama on the first anniversary of his historic election.

With the world watching, let's send Sarah Palin and all those 'tea party' folks the strongest possible message that one year after Election Day 2008, President Obama is stronger than ever.

Thanks,

Paul Begala

P.S. Sarah Palin and the 'tea party' crowd think they can send one of their own to Congress on the very first anniversary of President Obama's election. As the world watches, let's tell them to think again. Help us raise $500,000 before Midnight Tuesday.

Rep. Sessions Ignores 1/3rd of Constituents Who Are Uninsured; Most of Any House Republican

2009-10-27T12:22:05+00:00

DCCC Press:

A new report released this weekend shows that one out of every three of Representative Pete Sessions' constituents are currently uninsured, which is the highest share of uninsured constituents of any Republican in the House. Sessions continues to be a supporter of the health insurance industry and an opponent of reform efforts. He has received nearly $400,000 from the insurance industry.

"One third of Representative Pete Sessions' constituents have no health care and he responds by taking more than $384,000 from the insurance industry while working hard to block health insurance reform," Ryan Rudominer, Spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said. "Representative Sessions has done everything in his power to delay, halt, stymie or stop any effort to insure every American including the third of his constituents without health insurance. The people of Texas' 32^nd District deserve a Representative who puts their constituents first, not the health insurance industry."

Additional Background

Representative Pete Sessions has come under fire for offering no solutions to a constituent whose husband is likely to die without health care reform except that she should seek help from President Obama. [CBS 11, 8/20/09]

The report, "The New Geography of Health Care" by the National Journal, showed that 32.6% of Session's constituents are currently uninsured. [National Journal, 10/24/09]

Representative Pete Sessions has received $384,624 from the insurance industry. [Open Secrets, 10/25/09]

Just this year, Sessions was questioned for siding with campaign contributors when he earmarked $1.6 million in 2008 for blimp research at a company that acknowledges having no experience in working with blimps. They had a former Sessions aide with a criminal record lobbying on their behalf. [Politico, 7/30/09]

Doug Hoffman: Looking Out for Himself

2009-10-26T14:37:46+00:00

Check out the DCCC's newest television ad in the NY-23 special election (Election Day: November 3rd):

For the latest updates on the NY-23 special eleciton, click here.

NY-23: President Obama endorses Bill Owens

2009-10-22T23:17:23+00:00

President Obama sent this e-mail in support of Bill Owens for Congress to supporters in New York's 23^rd Congressional District. The NY-23 special election is November 3rd. You can support Democrat Bill Owens by volunteering or contributing to his campaign today.

Friend --

As a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Bill Owens served at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Then, as a leader in the North Country community, he helped lead the redevelopment of that base and bring thousands of jobs to the region.

As I work to change the tone of our nation's politics and end the petty partisanship that has dominated Washington for too long, I'll need the help of leaders like Bill.

That's why I'm proud to announce my support for Bill Owens, candidate for Congress in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

But my support will only take Bill so far. As we learned last year, true change doesn't come from folks in Washington, but from the dedication and energy of people like you.

So today, I'm hoping you will volunteer with Bill's campaign and help us send him to Congress.

Bill Owens has a crucial role to play in our effort to bring change to our nation. In these trying economic times, Bill has a proven record of creating jobs.

He fought tirelessly to recruit businesses to Upstate New York. And when Plattsburgh Air Force Base closed, Bill jumped into action, helping to ensure that the land was used to create jobs. All told, Bill's leadership helped bring over 2,000 jobs to the North Country.

Last year, our movement won a historic election. But real change never comes easily, so I'm going to need your help again -- this time, to elect Bill Owens.

I know I can count on Bill's support as we work together to help middle-class families by reforming our health insurance system and getting our economy back on track. Can I count on you to help send him to Congress?

http://ny.barackobama.com/BillOwens

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Hoffman and Scozzafava Embrace Out of Touch, Special Interest Agendas

2009-10-22T21:23:00+00:00

Doug Hoffman has become the darling of right wing Republicans because he has committed to support their anti-Medicare, anti-Social Security, and anti-minimum wage agenda. His agenda, however, will only further hurt families who are already struggling Upstate during these tough economic times.

For proof, voters don't need to look any further than today's campaign events where Hoffman embraced the support of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, a notorious anti-government figure whose agenda is directly at odds with the interests of Upstate New families. Just like Dede Scozzafava, Hoffman is only interested in serving the agenda of the special interests that are funding his campaign.

"The fact that Doug Hoffman is embracing Dick Armey's anti-Medicare, anti-Social Security, and anti-minimum wage agenda shows just how out of touch he is with upstate New Yorkers ," said Shripal Shah, Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"Upstate New Yorkers can't afford Doug Hoffman's reckless agenda that puts special interests first and leaves middle class families to struggle. And during these tough economic times they certainly can't afford Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava's commitment to higher taxes and wasteful spending either. Both are standing up for agendas that pander to their special interest backers but will only prolong these tough times for Upstate families that are already struggling, and neither will do a thing to get our economy back on track."

Hoffman and Scozzafava Sign Up to Protect Corporations Who Ship Jobs Overseas

2009-10-22T15:34:59+00:00

Albany politician Dede Scozzafava and right wing extremist Doug Hoffman are committed to protecting corporations who ship jobs overseas with special interest tax breaks, turning their backs on hardworking middle class Americans who are really struggling during these tough economic times.

Scozzafava and Hoffman have embraced this out of touch position of the right wing fringe group Americans for Tax Reform as both have pandered to the group's interests in an attempt to shore up right wing political and financial support. Their positions, however, leave their agendas directly at odds with the best interests of Upstate New Yorkers.

"The fact that both Scozzafava and Hoffman are committed to protecting tax breaks for companies who ship jobs overseas prove that neither of them have the best interests of Upstate New Yorkers in mind," said Shripal Shah, Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"Times are tough and jobs are needed in Upstate New York, not overseas. Scozzafava and Hoffman need to put aside their partisan interests and stand up for what's best for Upstate New York."

BACKGROUND:

Hoffman and Scozzafava both signed the tax pledge. Doug Hoffman and Dede Scozzafava have both signed a pledge written by the Americans for Tax Reform to oppose tax increases. [Scozzafava Website; Hoffman Website]

ATR: Signers must oppose all attempts to increase taxes. According to the Americans for Tax Reform webpage titled ‘What is the Taxpayer Protection Pledge?', "In the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, candidates and incumbents solemnly bind themselves to oppose any and all tax increases." [Americans for Tax Reform, accessed: 10/22/09]

Tax breaks for outsourcing cost US. According to the New York Times, a proposal by President Obama would eliminate many tax breaks for outsourcing. "The administration would raise $86.5 billion by ending a practice in which companies create foreign subsidiaries to shift income in ways that avoid taxes....Another proposal would close a loophole that allows companies to inflate the credits they claim for foreign taxes to the I.R.S., for an estimated $43 billion in new revenues. Separate steps to crack down on wealthy individuals would raise nearly $9 billion." [New York Times, 5/4/09]

Doug Hoffman: Tax Breaks for the Wealthy at the Expense of the Middle Class

2009-10-21T19:55:52+00:00

Doug Hoffman, Conservative Party candidate in NY-23, supports reckless economic policies that help the wealthy at the expense of middle class upstate New York families.

"Doug Hoffman wants to extend the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy that are unfair to the middle class and will add more than $500 billion to the federal deficit. Check it out on Doug Hoffman's own website," said Shripal Shah, Northeast Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Times are tough and upstate New Yorkers can't afford Doug Hoffman's tax breaks for the wealthy that puts more of the tax burden on the middle class and more debt burden on our children and grandchildren."

Dede Scozzafava: Running Away From Her Record (NY-23)

2009-10-20T21:52:33+00:00

Check out the DCCC's newest television ad in the NY-23 special election (Election Day: November 3rd):

For the latest updates on the NY-23 special eleciton, click here.

Hypocrisy Alert: 67 House Republicans Take Credit for the Economic Bills They Opposed

2009-10-20T20:23:35+00:00

The DCCC has unveiled the latest entries into the House Republicans Hypocrisy Hall of Fame, which has now grown to 67 Members. These Republicans have been caught trying to celebrate the benefits of projects they opposed in President Obama's recovery bill, the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and the Omnibus Public Land Management Act.

"With the economy showing early signs of recovery, it's no wonder that more and more House Republicans are scrambling to take credit for the benefits they opposed," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Times are tough. Hardworking Americans need solutions, not more hypocrisy from the Republican Party of No."

This Is It

2009-10-19T14:43:49+00:00

Speaker Pelosi just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

DEADLINE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT - Meet President Obama and Speaker Pelosi For Dinner. CONTRIBUTE NOW.

Dear Friend,

The Republicans are well aware that this is their last opportunity to derail health insurance reform. I am going to need your grassroots support as we work to bring our final bill to a vote before the full House before sending it to President Obama for his signature into law.

Since America's progress would not be possible without grassroots Democrats like you, I wanted to give you and a guest one last opportunity to have dinner with President Obama on October 26th.

The money you give today to enter will go toward helping us fight in these final weeks for health care. You may be the lucky winner who gets to join President Obama in Miami and have your photo taken with him!

The deadline is midnight tonight.

Please contribute $5, $10 or more today to be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Miami (airfare and hotel included). You and your guest will be my guests for dinner with President Obama and leading Democrats from across America on October 26th.

Thank you.

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

DCCC: The Stakeholder

House passes Affordable Health Care for America Act

NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions Says Insurance Companies OK to Discriminate Against Women

GOP Congressman Attend Tea Party Rally Instead of Voting on National Security Measures

NY-23 Victory Gallery

More Outrageous Extreme Right Wing Hatred

DCCC Exposes the Truth On Michele Bachmann With The Re-launch of BachmannWatch.com

Speaker Pelosi Congratulates Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi

DCCC Chair Van Hollen Congratulates Congressman-Elect John Garamendi (CA-10)

DCCC Chair Van Hollen’s Statement on Bill Owens’ Victory in New York’s 23rd District

A Critical Test Today

Leader Rush Strikes Again

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’

No Quit in America

Breaking News: GOP Chaos Erupts in Special Election

DCCC Memo: What Does the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?

TRICK OR TREAT - Republicans: Where’s Your Health Reform Bill?

Shadegg says NO to Grieving Father Seeking Cruise Ship Safety

The Fate of Health Care

Breaking News: Strong Public Option Introduced

95 percent of House Republicans Voted Against H1N1 Flu Vaccines

Going Rogue

Rep. Sessions Ignores 1/3rd of Constituents Who Are Uninsured; Most of Any House Republican

Doug Hoffman: Looking Out for Himself

NY-23: President Obama endorses Bill Owens

Hoffman and Scozzafava Embrace Out of Touch, Special Interest Agendas

Hoffman and Scozzafava Sign Up to Protect Corporations Who Ship Jobs Overseas

Doug Hoffman: Tax Breaks for the Wealthy at the Expense of the Middle Class

Dede Scozzafava: Running Away From Her Record (NY-23)

Hypocrisy Alert: 67 House Republicans Take Credit for the Economic Bills They Opposed

This Is It

Rep. Foxx (R-NC): Health Insurance Reform bigger threat than any terrorist right now’